Phuket Island
“The Pearl of Andaman Sea”
The largest Island in Thailand, which is approximately the size of Singapore. Located in the Andaman Sea of Southern Thailand. Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. With its stunning beach, beautiful coral reefs and sunshine.
Phuket has a long history itself and the local Phuket history is compeling.
Local Phuket History.
The most well known historical event in Phuket took place in 1785 when a Burmese invasion was repelled by local residents led by Than Phu Ying Jan and her sister Mook. Legend has it that they persuaded the island’s women to pose as male warriors, to frighten the Burmese away thinking that they were outnumbered and stood little chance.
The Burmese were defeated, not least by hunger and starvation, and the month long siege ended on March 13. Than Phu Ying Jan and her sister Mook become local heroes and were bestowed honorary titles by King Rama I. Their monument has been erected at Tha Ruea intersection about 12 kilometers north of Phuket and highly respect for Phuket people.
During the 15th century, Phuket is one of the leading tin mining producers of the region. Phuket is wealth from tin mines, rubber plantations and palm oil tree and the Island was one of the major trading routes between India and China. Many Chinese arrived from Penang, Malaysia over 100 years ago and built their home in the impressive Sino-Portuguese style mainly in Phuket Town.
Nowadays, the tin mining industry has disappeared as it become less viable after collapse in the tin price late in the last century. Kathu was considered a major area for mine industry therefore the Mining Museum is located in this area and it becomes one of the Island’s most interesting museums. Rubber and palm oil plantation can still be seen all over the island and remain a main source of income for local farmers.
At this day the main income for Phuket island is Tourism.
Most of the population is local Phuket and is 70% Thai-Buddhist, 25% Muslim and 4% Chao Le (Sea Gypsy). Phuket divided into 3 administrative units called Amphur – Amphur Muang, Thalang and Kathu. There are only two seasons in a year – the rainy season from May to October while the hot high season start from November to April. The wettest month is September and October and the best period is from November to February. Phuket is connected to the main land Phang-nga province by two bridges names Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.
Phuket International Airport is the second busiest airport in Thailand after Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi. Million passengers each year visit Phuket all over the world. Currently 10 airlines are on service more than 27,000 flights per year the airport has a capacity of handling 24 flights operations per hour and 24 hours operation.
Local Phuket means tropical beaches in abundance and Phuket Island is the most prominent tourist attraction in the South of Thailand. We separate tour routes in 4 routes to lead the numerous places of interest in Phuket and all easily accessible by car.
The Local Phuket City Route :
- Old Building in Phuket Town is hundred-years old buildings can be found along Thalang, Deebuk, Phang-nga, Yaowarat and Krabi road.
- Khao Rang, Phuket View Point the excellent view of Phuket Town scene especially on a full-moon night.
- Saphan Hin Mining Monument. It was built in 1978 to commemorate the first metal ore-dredger used in Thailand.
- Phuket Zoo an idea for animal lovers. Where you can’t miss the top attractions crocodile, monkey and elephant show.
Northern Route :
- Thalang National Museum only 200 metes from the Heroines Monument. The Museum exhibits the way of life, culture and history of Phuket.
- Wat Phra Nang Sang this is the old temple.
- Wat Phra Thong is the most important Buddhist temple. There is the Gold Buddha image is emerging from the ground.
- Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park
- Naithon Beach near by the airport has a large open cove which serves as an excellent shelter from the wind and suitable for swimming.
- Naiyang Beach where is the office of Sirinat National Park (comprising Naiyang, Naithon and Mai Khao beaches) is located. It is a good place to see turtles laying eggs in winter from November to February.
- Mai Khao Beach – Airport Beach. The longest beach of Phuket and here is the place where giant sea turtles had lumbered ashore to lay eggs from October to February.
Relax you’re in Phuket
Phuket Beach Route : start from North to South:
- Bang Tao Beach – located south of Naithon Beach. 8km sandy beach is lined with several upmarket resorts.
- Surin Beach
- Laem Sing Cape only 500 meters from Surin Beach. A Small white beach with rocky cape on the left.
- Phuket Fantasea a unique cultural theme complex.
- Kamala Beach
- Patong Beach – the famous beach and remotest district of Phuket. Its natural beauty with white sandy, a lot of choice of luxury hotels, big shopping mall “Jungceylon” and numerous places of night time entertainment.
- Karon Beach – The best place for diving and surfing.
- Kata Beach – There are many hotels, restaurants, shops and aqua-sports available in this area.
- Kata View Point – A panoramic view point of 3 beaches of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon Beaches. The best view clearer is in the morning.
- Naihan Beach – Peaceful and quiet Beach near by Promthape Cape
- Phromthep Cape – A signature of Phuket Island where you can view panorama sea view and enjoy sunset.
- Rawai Beach – Main attraction in this area is Seafood but not suitable for swimming because there are too many boats along the beach.
Chalong Pier South Phuket
Southern Route :
- Laem Ka Beach – next to Rawai Beach. An excellent swimming area.
- Chalong Bay – Main pier for travelling to other Island.
- Wat Chalong – The most beautiful and renowned temple in Phuket.
There are many activities and sport facilities available in Phuket such as Elephant Trekking, Diving/Snorkeling, Gofing, Sailng, jet-skiling, parasailing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, deep sea fishing, shooting range and Horse Riding.
There are 2 big shopping malls in Phuket : Central Phuket Festival located in the center of Phuket Town and Jungceylon located in Patong Beach.
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